Amgbare Ekaunkumo, Yenagoa
The Senate Committee on Local Content, during an oversight visit to the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) facilities in Bayelsa State on Thursday, commended the Board for its robust implementation of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act of 2010.
The committee pledged strong legislative backing to advance NCDMB’s initiatives for local capacity building in the oil and gas sector.
Senator Joel Onowakpo Thomas, the committee chairman, praised NCDMB’s efforts in fostering job creation, skill development, and the growth of indigenous businesses. “The impact of local content is transformative—driving employment, building critical skills, and reducing reliance on foreign services,” Thomas stated.
He assured that the Senate, in line with President Bola Tinubu’s vision for economic self-reliance, would support policies to strengthen local content development.
“We will collaborate closely with NCDMB to ensure the Act is effectively enforced and will work with stakeholders to create a conducive environment for local businesses,” Thomas added.
In a comprehensive briefing, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, NCDMB’s Executive Secretary, represented by Director of Corporate Affairs Alhaji Abdulmalik Halilu, highlighted the Board’s achievements. These include a 90% repayment rate for the Nigerian Content Intervention Fund (NCIF) managed by the Bank of Industry and the commissioning of a 10,000 metric tonne galvanizing plant in Port Harcourt, elevating local capacity to over 180,000 metric tonnes.
The Board’s Nigerian Oil and Gas Parks Scheme (NOGaPS) in Bayelsa and Cross River States is also nearing 90% completion.
Halilu outlined future projects, including the NCDMB Gas Hub for gas-based industries and the Back-to-the-Creeks Initiative for workforce development.
He appealed for Senate support to exempt the Nigerian Content Development Fund from revenue deductions, as mandated by Section 104 of the NOGICD Act, and to address infrastructure gaps while aligning other sectoral laws with local content goals.
Senator Ede Dafinone, the committee’s vice chairman, reaffirmed the National Assembly’s commitment to partnering with NCDMB to build a Nigerian-driven oil and gas industry.
“We will support the Board’s programs to ensure a stronger, more inclusive sector,” he said.
The oversight team, including Senators Osita Izunaso, Ipalibo Gogo Banigo, Aniekan Bassey, and others, concluded their visit on Thursday.
